Public pressure intensified on Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami lawmaker Gazi Nazrul Islam on Wednesday as hundreds of people marched through Shyamnagar in Satkhira, demanding an impartial investigation into allegations surrounding the MP and calling on both the party and the authorities to take appropriate action if the allegations are substantiated.
The demonstration, organised under the banner of “Shyamnagarer Sachetan Nagarik Samaj” (Conscious Citizens of Shyamnagar), is the latest public reaction since a video involving the Satkhira-4 MP circulated on social media earlier this week, triggering widespread political and public debate.
Participants carried brooms and placards during a procession through the municipal headquarters before holding a rally at the Shyamnagar Upazila Press Club, where speakers urged Jamaat-e-Islami to complete its internal inquiry promptly and the government to ensure an impartial investigation.
Several speakers also called for Gazi Nazrul Islam to resign or be removed from parliament if the allegations against him are proven through due legal process.
The protesters alleged that the MP had given conflicting explanations regarding the controversy and questioned his public conduct.
They also criticised what they described as attempts to explain the incident after the footage became public.
Some speakers further raised concerns over reports regarding the age of the young woman involved and claims that she had sought government employment with the MP’s recommendation.
They argued that these issues require independent investigation to determine whether any law or ethical standard was violated.
However, no law enforcement agency has announced any criminal findings against the MP, and several of the allegations raised at the rally remain unverified.
Former Upazila BNP convener Alhaj Sulaiman Kabir chaired the rally.
Among those addressing the gathering were educationist Advocate Ashek Elahi Munna, former Upazila BNP vice-president Abu Sayeed, Upazila Jubo Dal convener Shafiqul Islam Dulu, Gabura Union Parishad Chairman Masudul Alam, Padmapukur Union Parishad Chairman Amjadul Islam and Upazila Mohila Dal President Nurjahan Parvin Jharna.
Nurjahan Parvin Jharna said allegations involving women must be investigated fairly and those responsible, if found guilty, should face legal consequences.
Padmapukur Union Parishad Chairman Amjadul Islam said the controversy had undermined public confidence and called for an impartial investigation.
Advocate Ashek Elahi Munna and Principal Abu Sayeed said the incident had damaged the image of the constituency and urged both the government and Jamaat-e-Islami to address the matter transparently through legal and organizational processes.
Several speakers also appealed to Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman to clarify the party’s position and take action in accordance with its constitution if any wrongdoing is established.
The demonstration remained peaceful, with law enforcement personnel deployed in the area to maintain order.
The controversy surrounding Gazi Nazrul Islam began after a video showing him in a private setting with a young woman spread on social media.
The MP has denied any wrongdoing, saying the woman is his legally married second wife and alleging that the footage was secretly recorded and circulated as part of an extortion attempt and a politically motivated conspiracy.
Jamaat-e-Islami has since announced an internal fact-finding process, saying it will determine its organizational response after collecting relevant information and evidence.
Repeated attempts by local journalists to obtain fresh comments from Gazi Nazrul Islam regarding Wednesday’s protest were unsuccessful.